Wildfire warning for swath of Northern California

Big winds and dry weather prompted forecasters Wednesday to issue a warning of high fire danger across much of inland California, including parts of the East Bay.

The National Weather Service says gusts up to 30 mph combined with low humidity have elevated the risk of wildfire in areas that have seen some of their lowest rainfall totals in decades.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect in the Sacramento Valley, as far north as Redding and west to Vallejo and other parts of Solano County, through Thursday.

Already this year, state firefighters have battled an exceptionally high number of blazes. One of the largest in Northern California so far this season is tearing through Mariposa County, near Lake McClure, where 1,300 acres and three structure have burned.

Forecasters advise homeowners and those who work outdoors to use caution when performing fire-prone activities such as mowing, clearing brush and doing construction work, such as welding.

In spite of the high winds and extremely dry conditions, temperatures in the Sacramento Valley and eastern portions of the Bay Area are expected to be about normal — in the low- to mid-80s, forecasters say. Points around San Francisco Bay are forecast to be in the 60s and 70s.